OBJECTIVE To review our long‐term use of the thermo‐expandable metallic ureteric stent, (model 051, PNN Medical, Denmark) for ureteric obstruction, and review current reports on its use. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data were collected prospectively on all patients who had a Memokath 051 ureteric stent inserted between November 1996 and November 2007. The standard stent, and wide and dual expansion versions were used. The stricture characteristics were recorded in a standard way. All stents were inserted by one surgeon in the UK and internationally, following a standard protocol. RESULTS In all, 74 stents were inserted into 55 patients in the study period (mean age 60 years, range 11–90). The indications for metallic stenting included primary stenting for malignancy, failed conventional open and endoscopic techniques, palliation, and where significant comorbidity limited repetitive stent changes. In 28 patients the obstruction was caused by malignancy, whereas in 27 it was caused by recurrent benign disease. The mean (range) hospital stay was 1.43 (0–7) days. Imaging after insertion showed normal or improved functional drainage in all but three patients, with immediate complications including urinary extravasation (one), poor thermo‐expansion (one) and equipment failure (locking assembly) (one). Late complications included migration (13), encrustation (two) and fungal infections (three). In all, 14 patients needed reinsertion (mean of 7.1 months, range 1–14) after insertion for migration (eight), encrustation (two), stricture progression (three) and incorrect stent length (one). Overall, 29 patients have died with the stents in‐situ. The mean (range) follow‐up was 16 (4–98) months. CONCLUSIONS The thermo‐expandable metallic Memokath 051 ureteric stent offers effective and durable long‐term relief from ureteric obstruction, and is a safe alternative to conventional JJ stenting. In addition there is an emerging role in palliation and the primary management of ureteric strictures.

Necrosis (the presence and amount) in high grade and invasive bladder cancer is an independent prognostic risk factor.

The authors' experience has shown that single-port laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair with the TriPort system is safe and feasible. Prospective randomized studies comparing single-access and conventional multiport laparoscopic TEP repairs with long-term follow-up evaluation are needed to confirm the authors' initial experience.

The management of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has evolved from the first reports on bladder endoscopy and transurethral resection to the introduction of adjuvant intravesical treatment. However, disease recurrence and progression remain an ongoing risk, placing a heavy burden on healthcare resources and on patients' quality of life. Deeper understanding of the molecular basis of the disease and developments in optics, lasers and computer science are already offering opportunities to revolutionize care and improve long-term prognosis. This article discusses developments likely to cause a paradigm shift towards the delivery of personalized care and reduced burden of disease in NMIBC.

We report the first case of an isolated calcaneal metastasis from prostate cancer. This case highlights the importance of considering metastatic disease in patients with persistent bone pain in the presence of known cancer, however unusual the site.